Cold-water swimming in mountain lakes and streams

Whether alone or with a club, those looking to cool off in summer will find what they are looking for a little longer in the higher areas – or not. This was the case on The WinterSwimmers excursion, where a small group spent two days around the Schwarzsee, which had already reached a water temperature of 19°C! But that didn't stop the group from enjoying the water and discovering the region.

First they hiked from Fribourg through the Gauteren Gorge to Tafers, where it got wet from above just in time for the coffee break. By the time they left the restaurant, the rain had subsided again. This allowed the winter swimmers to marvel at the confluence of the Warm and Cold Sense on the second part of the route and, of course, Mr. Pingu checked whether the Warm Sense actually has a higher temperature. Contrary to expectations, the group did not follow the Cold Sense but went along the stream that led them to the Schwarzsee: the Warm Sense. On the way, they were caught in the rain, but well equipped and alone on the paths, they were able to marvel at the torrent. Instead of getting wet from above, the WinterSwimmers then bathed in the Schwarzsee, where they washed off the sweat from the many kilometers they had covered.

On the second day, those who wanted to could start the day with a swim before heading along the paths surrounded by beautiful mountain flowers through the Breccaschlund to the coffee break at the Riggisalp. Here the group split up, with some opting for the chairlift, others riding down on scooter bikes and still others following the Riggisalp stream on foot until the group reunited at Schwarzsee and plunged into the lake for a final dip.